Help on entertaining a difficult Boss to please in San Francisco
The owner of my company is coming out to visit me in a few weeks and I need some ideas on where to take him to dinner in San Francisco. The situation is he lives on the East Coast and has the idea in his head that he doesn't like any restaurants on the West Coast.
When I've been out there we typically eat at restaurants that are unpretentious and reasonably priced with generous portions (and really good food). He seems to have a penchant for the tried and true and an aversion to the up and coming "hot spots". As an example we ate at one of the oldest Italian restaurants in the United States for dinner (Ralph's in South Philly).
I'm not looking for any Gary Danko, Aqua, French Laundry type recommendations... just some great food thats not too pricy and not too fancy while being memorable. Any Ideas?
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re: Robert Lauriston
I've considered House of Prime Rib, that might be up his alley. Harris's is one of my fav places to grab a steak, since we would be wearing Jackets anyways that not an issue, and last time I was there it didn't feel to pretentious. I've also considered Izzy's as another of my favorite joints. My only hesitation is that a steak house wouldn't be a very unique choice or one that shows off west coast dining in general.
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I have actually been to Ralph's in Philadelphia, not a place I would pick, however, if that is what he liked, I would definitely take the Tadich recommendation. It is old San Francisco, pricing isn't bad for the city and not much to object to. Don't know how old your boss is, but my Dad always liked Tadich's too.
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re: JasmineG
Robert Lauriston
Nov 1, 2006 03:06 PM
It's part of the Real Restaurants group (like Buckeye), so chef changes don't mean much.
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I have an old friend in Cincinatti who while well-off, likes the down home generous portions type of place. When in Cin, he took me to several. On a visit several years ago, we took him & wife to Original Joe's (over my wife's objection, as not upscale enough). He LOVED it...took a pack of business cards and was passing them out to all his friends (was here for a bowl game). The neighborhood is a bit dicey at night, but they have valet parking. I would also consider Sam's Grill for sand dabs...very San Franciscan.
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Morton the Mousse
Oct 31, 2006 08:15 PM
Incanto comes to mind. Value and portion size are relative, but by my standards Incanto fits the bill nicely.
I've noticed that portion sizes in SF tend to be a bit smaller than in other parts of the country. Appetizers are sized as starters, pasta (at Italian restaurants) is sized as a pasta course, and just one entree per person is not usually enough food. I like it this way, because it allows me to try more of the menu without overeating, but it's difficult to find places that have great food and enormous portions.
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re: Morton the Mousse
susancinsf
Nov 1, 2006 02:16 AM
I wouldn't think Incanto would be any more right than would be Aziza or Quince. and, the fact that he had Italian in Philly probably doesn't mean he'd like Incanto: while I've never been to Ralph's in South Philly I can tell by their website that it is NOTHING like Incanto...I think the OP's boss would think Incanto is waaayyy too West Coast:even if others think of it as Italian!
Scala's, suggested by someone below, isn't all that moderate in price anymore.
I'd think Tadich would be a good option.
Another option he might like, though it also is on the pricy side, is Alfred's, for a traditional steakhouse menu and vibe. They know how to make a good martini...(and give you the shaker).
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#1 If he is a foodie take him to Quince--very small, very interesting and not well known.
#2 If he love seafood, take him to Tadich and have the Ciopino--best I've tasted worldwide
#3 if he is a wine guy--Rubicon great--best value for wine is Plumpjack--very good food and great wine prices...
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re: tsmithdc
Robert Lauriston
Oct 31, 2006 07:10 PM
Quince is quite well-known, it's on the Chronicle's Top 100, Gayot's top 10 Italian list, etc. Many reports here.
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rworange
Oct 31, 2006 03:59 PM
What price is considered reasonable?
He probably would like Washbag, Washington Square Bar & Grill.
He might like Chapeau. The warm ambiance there with classic French food might be nice.
Tadich is a good suggestion. I asked about prices because Scomas might be a place he likes, but the prices can be high. If nothing else was in consideration, I'd pick Tadich's over Scomas. However, Scoma's has stellar-fresh fish, HUGE portions, is right on Fisherman's Wharf with free at the door valet parking and an old-style ambiance. It reminds me of an East Coast restaurant. The sides are VERY average though.
I haven't been there in a gazillion years, but Cafe Sport in North Beach recently got a positive mention. Huge portions served family-style, old North Beach atmosphere.
Original Joe's in the Tenderloin might be an option too. Maybe he'd get a thrill out of the adventure of the neighborhood.
I love Aziza, but there are California chowhounds that don't like the place and if I were you, I'd take if for a test run hand have dinner there to see what you think.
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re: rworange
Price really isn't that large of an issue.... if he feels like he is getting his money's worth. I appreciate the suggestions, my wife and I will have to try some of these restaurants out. Aziza sounds intriguing to me, though I don't know if my boss would be up for it. At least I'll find some places that I will enjoy though!
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re: Al Fredo
Chris Rising
Nov 2, 2006 12:57 AM
If the price isn't too bad, I'd strongly recommend Boulevard. Not as pricey as some you mentioned, above and generous portions of fairly hearty stuff. Lots of posts to check out.
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I took my boss & his wife to Aziza Sunday (last night) and they were really blown away.
It's top quality food, not too pricy and not too fancy while the evening ended up being memorable and unique.
At first they got the wrong idea when i said i was taking them to a Moroccan restaurant, but when we entered the restaurant and they looked over the cali - ingredient influenced menu, they got excited.
They are from Boston, travel the world and eat well, so I was glad that I could impress them with Aziza. I usually take all my out of town guests there and everyone ends up loving it.
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re: caramela
Chris Rising
Oct 31, 2006 08:05 PM
Based on the original posters description, Aziza sounds like a sure fire way to early retirement.
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Boythefoodtalksto
Oct 31, 2006 03:17 AM
How is the new/removed Fior d'Italia (now in the San Remo Hotel at 2237 Mason Street)? Used to be very reliable, even quite good, but I haven't been there since the fire and move.
Otherwise such a person MIGHT find a place like Suppenkuche (Octavia and Laguna) just to his taste, especially if he eats early. Generous portions and reliable, substantial meat-based entrees. The potato-pancake/apple sauce appetizer is a must. The jaegerschnitzle is good (though I often ask for the bratkartoffeln (fried/roast potatoes) rather than the spätzle (hand made "noodles"), as is the kassler (smoked pork chop). Depending on the night it can be quite busy, and they use the German custom of the Stammtisch or common table shared by parties smaller than a table-full. Anyway, a good beer assortment and passable wine list...cheers!
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re: OnceUponABite
Robert Lauriston
Oct 31, 2006 06:52 PM
Antica Trattoria might work. Feels like it's been there for a hundred years.
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